One of the first steps you need to take after a car accident is to see a medical professional. While you may not feel the immediate pain of your injury, you should go to a doctor to get testing as soon as possible. Your doctor visit can help you protect your rights as you navigate the process and pursue compensation.
Not only does seeing a doctor help your physical well-being, but it also provides you with a clear medical record to indicate how severe your injury is. Here are some of the things you should keep in mind during your initial meeting with a doctor to protect your best interests.
- Keep and discuss your pain journal
- Document your conversations and treatment options
- Keep a record of your diagnosis
The steps you take when speaking with a doctor can help protect your rights over the long process that lies ahead. It also means you can focus on your treatment and long-term recovery.
Contact us today to discuss your case and learn how we can help you: (805) 628-4967.
Keep and Discuss Your Pain Journal
While a pain journal may not always help in your claim, it can be essential when speaking with your doctor. A pain journal can document when and where you feel pain, how severe it is, and how it impacts your quality of life. That information alone is not a testament to your claim, but it can help a doctor better understand your condition and provide you with treatment.
It would help your situation to detail your pain levels, but your journal can also include a number of other items, including:
- Your recollection of your accident and the pain you felt at the time of the crash
- Conversations you have with insurance adjusters, doctors, and witnesses
- Information regarding your injuries that you hear from your doctor
Document Your Conversations and Treatment Options
It may be tough to remember everything your doctor says and relay it to your legal team. Make sure you document everything as clearly as possible, including your treatment options. Even if your doctor is keeping in close contact with your legal team, you should document your conversations in the event you or your doctor forget something.
Keep a Record of Your Diagnosis
Your diagnosis is one of the most important aspects of your claim, and for a good reason. You can receive a diagnosis from your doctor and other medical professionals (such as therapists). Your diagnosis can help your case by detailing the following:
- How severe your injury is
- How long it may take to recover and how long you may miss work
- How your injury may cause emotional trauma (pain and suffering)
With a clear understanding of your diagnosis, your lawyer can build a strong case to seek the compensation you deserve.
Never hesitate when you need to see a doctor. Unfortunately, insurance adjusters are quick to use any delay in treatment to minimize how much you can recover or outright deny your claim. The sooner you work to get medical treatment, the better.
At Crane Flores, LLP, we prioritize your health and well-being. We want you to get the medical treatment you deserve. As such, we work hard so you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal matters on your behalf, working to hold negligence accountable and get you the outcome you deserve.
Our car accident attorneys have more than 50 years of experience taking on large insurance companies when they try to take advantage of a vulnerable situation. Our team goes above and beyond to recover justice because you deserve to have the strongest representation possible.
Want to discuss your case in a free consultation? We encourage you to call our firm today at (805) 628-4967 to better understand your rights and options. We serve clients throughout Oxnard, Ventura and Santa Barabara.